HANCOCK COUNTY — To the thrill and excitement of around 60 people gathered at the Indianapolis Regional Airport, they heard the military jet before they saw it streaking through the late afternoon sky.
“There it is,” someone in the crowd said, pointing off into the distance while the aircraft circled the airfield before landing. The wheels on the $100-million-dollar U.S. Navy Blue Angel jet touched down around 4:23 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 and then taxied in to the amazement of those on hand.
When the two Blue Angels pilots, Lieutenant Commander Thomas Zimmerman and Lieutenant Commander Brian Vaught climbed out of the cockpit, those in attendance gave them a heartfelt applause.
In preparation for the 2023 Crossroads Air Show, a U.S. Navy Blue Angel F/A-18F Super Hornet flew from Pensacola to the Indiana sky for the first time in more than a decade Monday afternoon. The Blue Angels pre-show hosted by Crossroads of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America was designed to promote the Crossroads Air Show, slated for Saturday Oct. 28 and Sunday Oct. 29, 2023.
The Crossroads Air Show next fall will be hosted by the Indianapolis Regional Airport, 3867 Aviation Way, Greenfield, 46140.
Known for their precision flying skills, two Blue Angels pilots arrived in one of the Blue Angels’ famed blue and gold F/A-18 Super Hornets. They told the crowd how excited the Blue Angels are to be coming back to Indiana for the first time in many years.
“It’s been way too long since we’ve been here, since 2012, and a lot has changed,” Zimmerman said. “Hopefully everyone will come out and enjoy the show.”
Zimmerman, who is ranked as pilot #7 noted it will be the third year the Blue Angels will be flying the F/A-18 Super Hornet, a third, larger-than-the-last Blue Angels aircraft to take part in an Indiana air show. Zimmerman said people who attended the air show will get to see everything the Blue Angels do from take-off to landing thanks to a long runway at the airport.
“It’s always incredible to see the team work come together during these shows,” Zimmerman said.
Vaught, who is ranked as pilot #8 said, the Blue Angels are excited to take part in the air show next fall and they can’t wait to get back to Indiana next year.
“It’s a beautiful aircraft behind us,” Vaught said, pointing over his shoulder to the plane that was parked inside a hanger. “It’s great to be here and see all the planning that is going into the show so far.”
The Blue Angels planned to spend the night, meet with officials putting on the air show then head back to Florida Tuesday morning.
Those in charge of the event next year say the Crossroads Air Show will bring a world-class aviation event for the two-day happening that features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the finest precision military jet demonstration team.
“I’m so excited to tell you the Blue Angels are back in Indiana,” Scout Executive/President and CEO of the Crossroads of America Council, Joe Wiltrout said. “Today’s visit is just a glimpse of what’s to come.”
During the press conference, the pilots took the time to explain their flying rank noting pilot #1 is the commander with pilots #1 through #4 making up their diamond shape, the ones showing off their precision skills during shows, while pilots #5 and #6 are their solo pilots who get to show off the maximum performance of the aircraft.
Pilot #7, Zimmerman is the one who gets to be the advance and VIP pilot while pilot #8, Vaught, handles the coordination of the event.
“We also have a compliment of officers who take part in the shows,” Vaught said. “We also have 150 sailors and Marines who are kind of the backbone of our squadron, but these planes can’t be flying without all the hard work from many men and women who are out there doing those thankless jobs.”
The feature performance during the air show will be supported by a lineup of top aviation performers, officials said. The event will be promoted regionally to a marketing area that includes approximately 7 million people.
The Crossroads Air Show will not only be a top-tier aviation event but organizers say it will also provide invaluable support to Crossroads of America and other prominent youth-serving organizations in the region, including the Riley Children’s Foundation and Catch the Stars Foundation.
Crossroads of America Council provides Scouts and local youth with the opportunity to learn more about aviation and STEM careers through various activities, events and programs. Funding from the Crossroads Air Show will support these opportunities for more than 29,000 Scouts.
“We’re so excited and privileged to have the Blue Angels choose our community for their upcoming performance in October,” Greenfield Mayor Chuck Fewell said in press release. “Being able to observe these incredible pilots and their performance will leave a lasting impression on all.”
